Local MS Mike Hedges urged people today to seek help for housing problems so that they are able to be dealt with at the earliest point. Speaking from his Morriston Office, Mike Hedges said…
‘ I chair the Cross Party Senedd Group on Senedd so I am all too aware of how easy it is for people to get into housing difficulties in the best of times; the Covid-19 virus and the economic dislocation which has come with it means people who have never been in difficulties with mortagages and rent can now find themselves in difficulties very quickly.
The crucial thing is to seek advice and support at the very earliest hint that you may be getting into difficulties.
The Campaign will direct people to the Welsh Government website and provide information from a variety of housing advice charities.
I would urge people to seek help – there is nothing to be ashamed of’
As a new Welsh Government digital campaign begins on Housing Advice during Covid-19, Housing Minister, Julie James, has called on the people of Wales to seek help now if they’re experiencing housing issues.
Developed with Shelter Cymru, the campaign will direct people to the Welsh Government website where they will be able to access advice related to different housing issues.
The campaign aims to inform and reassure people that help and support is available and make it easier for them to access that help and support, particularly as many won’t have been in this situation before.
Shelter Cymru has reported that demand for their live online support and telephone helpline has more than doubled in recent weeks.
Based on feedback from Shelter Cymru and other housing and homelessness organisations in Wales, the campaign is focusing on five common concerns:
- Struggling to pay rent or mortgage
- Worried about eviction
- Getting repairs done in a rented home
- Having a safe or suitable place to stay
- Self-isolating in shared accommodation
The Welsh Government website will set out what people can do about these issues and signpost them to further help from organisations such as Citizens Advice, Crisis, Shelter Cymru and specialist providers such as Llamau. The website will also refer people to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions where appropriate for further information on benefits.
In addition, the Welsh Government is running a campaign with Shelter Cymru and Llamau around hidden homelessness and the impact of the coronavirus. This is targeted mainly, but not exclusively, at young people who may have been sleeping on a friend’s sofa or staying somewhere temporarily like a hostel, night shelter or bed & breakfast.
Announcing the start of the campaign, Minister for Housing Julie James said:
“Many people are finding themselves in a situation where they are struggling to pay bills or they fear eviction for the first time ever - our message to people is to get help now.
"This campaign is all about making sure people know their rights, they know their entitlements and that they can take advantage of the help and advice that’s available from the organisations and charities we regularly work with.
“We’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure the concerns they are hearing about most often are reflected in the campaign so that people understand they are not alone and that help is available. We will continue to listen to them and adapt as this campaign progresses.”
John Puzey, Director, Shelter Cymru said:
"We are pleased to be working with the Welsh Government to get the message out there that help is available. Many people in Wales are worried about their housing situation and don’t know who to turn to. It’s good that the Welsh Government has made it a priority to raise awareness of our service as well as other services that can help people during this crisis."
Rebecca Woolley, Director of Citizens Advice Cymru said:
"At Citizens Advice Cymru our advisers have seen over 19,000 people since lockdown began. We know that often people don't know how to access the support they're entitled to. We're pleased that the Welsh Government are putting together this campaign that aims to inform and reassure people about the help and support available, and bring it together in one place."
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